Despite COVID-19, paediatric renal transplants continue at pre-pandemic levels
An eight-year-old from Elgin who developed a rare and life-threatening disease due to E.coli poisoning alongside his younger brother, is on the road to recovery after successfully undergoing renal transplant surgery at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow.
Leo McFaulds is the latest patient to undergo the surgery, thanks to his mother Louise who was an ideal match. It marks the 12th paediatric renal transplant in the past 12 months at the RHC. The service has continued throughout COVID-19 thanks to strict protocols allowing surgeries to go ahead at pre-pandemic levels.
For the McFaulds family, the successful surgery comes as a huge relief and sees Leo back on his feet and full of energy, with mum Louise also making a strong recovery.
Leo and his brother Samuel, four, were both struck down by the E. coli bug in May last year, which caused HUS. Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome – an illness which affects the blood and blood vessels, resulting in anaemia and kidney failure. Parents, Louise and Anthony, believe they may have contracted E-coli on a countryside walk in the highlands but can never know for sure.
Falling drastically ill, both boys were hospitalised then transferred to the RHC in Glasgow for kidney dialysis.
While Samuel luckily made a full recovery, Leo was in hospital for more than two months before being moved onto three times weekly kidney dialysis in August, with the family relocating to Glasgow to be near the hospital and family.
Fortunately, however, Louise was quickly identified as a potential match for Leo and the operation was scheduled for the middle of February.
Louise said: “To have both boys struck down with the same illness and both having lifesaving treatment at the same time was harrowing. It was an awful time for our family as it came on so suddenly.
“Thankfully Samuel recovered relatively quickly, but Leo went from being a typical happy, healthy boy, who played in the garden with his brother and attended school, to being completely hospital-bound and unable to fully engage with normal life. But his bravery and optimism through this has been inspiring.
“I was naturally over the moon when we found I was a match, and despite the pandemic, from then on everything in the transplant work up process seemed to go like clock-work.
“The team at the RHC were determined to get the transplant completed as soon as possible. We know the NHS have been under enormous pressure because of COVID-19 but never once did we feel Leo’s care had been compromised in any way and I think that’s testament to the professionalism of staff at the RHC. We will always be grateful to the wonderful renal surgeons, doctors and nurses there.
“The Glasgow Hospital Children’s Charity was also a huge support to us when Leo was in hospital, helping keep him entertained and keep his mind off his illness during his stay.”
Leo, who received the transplant on February 10th is already looking forward to rejoining his classmates back at school, and although he will face challenges in the future, Louise is optimistic:
“Leo will always have kidney disease, and Samuel and myself will have follow up for some time to come. We know there will be bumps in the road ahead, but to look back six months, to compare where we are now it’s a miracle really.
“Leo now has his life back and we’ll be counting the small milestones – going back to school, going swimming and maybe even a holiday – as victories and we will never take any of these happy family moments for granted in future.”
Dr Ben Reynolds, consultant paediatric nephrologist at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, who leads the transplant service, said: “It is fantastic to see Leo recovering well and full of energy again, full of eight- year-old mischief and silliness!
“At RHC we’re lucky to be one of only two children’s kidney transplant centres in the UK able to maintain a full schedule of renal transplants throughout the pandemic. This is so important for children like Leo where there is a well matched donor, and the operation means we can get them off dialysis and back to as normal a life, as quickly as possible.
“Transplant is almost always the best thing for any child on dialysis. The change to the kidney opt-out scheme in Scotland at the end of the March still relies on people registering their wishes. We would always encourage anyone to discuss this with their families and loved ones about giving “the gift of life.”
After selling out a string of dates as it tours the UK, Scotland’s Parking Lot Social has announced that it is adding a second drive in drag show to its Edinburgh dates, with tickets now available for both Friday May 21 and Saturday May 22.
Stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK will be taking to the stage at Dalkeith Country Park later this month, promising unmissable live comedy, entertainment and runway worthy looks. Hosted by Whiplash, lineups over the weekend include UK Drag Race alumna The Vivienne (season one winner), Baga Chipz, Ellie Diamond and Cheryl Hole.
Josh Kinnersley, Chief Operating Officer at XL Event Lab, said: “Drag Race fever has swept the nation, and we’re delighted to welcome some of the TV show’s most talented stars to join us for the UK’s first ever drive-in drag show.
“We’ve seen a real appetite from the public for all of our Edinburgh events, and we’ve added an additional DriveTime Drag show to meet demand. Our drag queens have loved getting back in front of a live audience and have plenty of surprises in store, so we’d urge everyone to get their tickets now to avoid disappointment.”
As well as the drag shows, drive in tickets are also on sale for a host of other live entertainment. Legendary party night The Big Weekender takes place on May 21, live spring panto The Wizard of Oz is May 22 and there’s two chances to catch the interactive family fun of Social Kids, taking place on both May 22 and 23. Classic films will play over the three days too.
Audiences will be entertained in their cars from a vast custom made stage. Shows are broadcast across two 60ft screens and audio is transmitted from the stage directly to each vehicle through a dedicated FM radio channel. Food comes from street food masters The Big Feed with orders made online and delivered straight to each car.
Why Nature is the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021
In the first lockdown, I called an elderly friend (writes MARK ROWLAND, Chief Executive of Mental Health Foundation). She lives alone and had recently had a fall. Separated from her community, she had lost all in-person contact.
When I asked her how she had got through it, she told me it was taking daily comfort from watching the birds sing to each other on the fence and the flowers re-emerge from the frosts of winter.
During long months of the pandemic, millions of us turned to nature. Our research on the mental health impacts of the pandemic showed going for walks outside was one of our top coping strategies and 45% of us reported being in green spaces had been vital for our mental health.
Websites which showed footage from webcams of wildlife saw hits increase by over 2000%. Wider studies also found that during lockdowns, people not only spent more time in nature but were noticing it more.
It was as if we were re-discovering at our most fragile point our fundamental human need to connect with nature.
Nature and our mental health
Nature is so central to our psychological and emotional health, that it’s almost impossible to realise good mental health for all without a greater connection to the natural world.
For most of human history, we lived as part of nature. It is only in the last five generations that so many of us have lived and worked in a context that is largely separated from nature.
And it is only since a 1960s study in the US found that patients who were treated in hospitals with a view of nature recovered faster, that science has started to unpack the extraordinary health benefits.
During Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, we will pull together the evidence that demonstrates the powerful benefits of nature for our mental health. We will look at nature’s unique ability to not only bring consolation in times of stress, but also increase our creativity, empathy and a sense of wonder.
It turns out that it is not just being in nature but how we open ourselves up and interact with nature that counts.
We will show that even small contacts with nature can reduce feelings of social isolation and be effective in protecting our mental health, and preventing distress.
Nature is our great untapped resource for a mentally healthy future.
Despite this, many of us are not accessing or benefitting from nature. Teenagers in particular appear to be less connected with nature and around 13% of UK households have no access to a garden.
We want to challenge the disparities in who is and who isn’t able to experience nature. Nature is not a luxury. It is a resource that must be available for everyone to enjoy – as basic as having access to clean water or a safe roof over our heads.
Local and national governments need to consider their role in making this a reality for everyone, and we will be talking about how they can do so during the week.
What are the goals for the week?
We have two clear aims. Firstly, to inspire more people to connect with nature in new ways, noticing the impact that this connection can have for their mental health. Secondly, to convince decision makers at all levels that access to and quality of nature is a mental health and social justice issue as well as an environmental one.
2021 is going be a huge year for nature: a new Environment Bill will go through the UK Parliament which will shape the natural world for generations to come; the UK will host the G7 nations where creating a greener future will be a key priority and a historic international UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be hosted in Glasgow in November.
There could not be a more important time to understand the links between nature and mental health.
What you can do
Stories are the best tools we have to influence change. Unless we can demonstrate nature’s role in bringing solace and joy to our lives, it will remain under-valued and under-utilised.
We want to hear your stories of how nature has supported your mental health. This might be as a simple as tending to a house plant, listening to the birds, touching the bark of trees, smelling flowers or writing a poem about our favourite nature spot.
Whatever it is for you, we invite you to #ConnectWithNature and share what this means for you.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, we are asking you to do three things:
Experience nature: take time to recognise and grow your connection with nature during the week. Take a moment to notice and celebrate nature in your daily life. You might be surprised by what you notice!
Share nature: Take a photo, video or sound recording and share the connections you’ve made during the week, to inspire others. Join the discussion on how you’re connecting with nature by using the hashtags #ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Talk about nature: use our tips, school packs, research and policy guides to discuss in your family, school, workplace and community how you can help encourage people to find new ways to connect with nature in your local environment.
For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson lends support to save stroke research
Legendary athlete Michael Johnson is calling for people to support the Stroke Association and help save stroke research, so that stroke survivors can live their best life possible.
The four-time Olympic sprint champion had a stroke at just 50 years old. In peak physical health, a stroke was the last thing on Michael’s mind as he completed his daily work out. Michael recalls experiencing unusual physical sensations – involuntary movement of his left foot, numbness, and a tingling sensation in his left arm. A CT scan and MRI confirmed he’d had a stroke.
He said: “I’d been able to get off my bed and on to the MRI table myself, but when the MRI ended 30 minutes later, I could no longer walk. I couldn’t stand or put any weight on my left leg. The numbness in my left arm had increased significantly and I couldn’t feel the two smallest fingers of my left hand. My foot was completely numb.”
Michael went from being the fastest man in the world, to needing to learn how to walk again. He began by working on his strength, power and fine motor skills on his left side. He knew from his sporting success that the best progress often comes in small, incremental steps.
He credits advancements in research, coupled with his own focus and determination, as key to his recovery: “Research drives improvement in stroke treatment and care, so more people like me can rebuild their lives. Without research I wouldn’t have been able to make anywhere near the recovery I have.”
Stroke is a sudden brain attack and strikes every five minutes in the UK. As a result of the pandemic, the Stroke Association has had to halve its budget for research into stroke, meaning important research that can transform stroke treatment and care is at risk.
Dr Rubina Ahmed, Research Director at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability in the UK and the second biggest killer in the world. The pandemic has shattered our fundraised income and is threatening research that drives life-changing breakthroughs in stroke care.
“Research improves treatment and care for people affected by stroke so they can live their best lives possible, and that’s why stroke research is worth saving. Now more than ever, we need the public’s support. If you can, please help us find a way through the research funding crisis by donating today, so that we can fund more life-saving research.”
Over the past 30 years the Stroke Association has played a crucial role in supporting stroke research in the UK, and has been at the centre of breakthroughs into life-saving treatments such as thrombectomy, and research which led to the use of the FAST test.
Research helps stroke survivors rebuild their lives by driving improvements in treatment and care, but the pandemic has hit research hard. By saving stroke research, more stroke survivors can live life to the full.
Find out how stroke research helps rebuild lives: stroke.org.uk/rebuildinglives
Or to donate, please visit: stroke.org.uk/saveresearch
Edinburgh Napier is proud to announce the appointment of Rosie Howie, Publisher at Hodder Gibson, as its new Publisher in Residence.
Hodder Gibson is part of the Hachette Group. Hachette UK is the second-largest British publishing group, and the market leader in ebooks. A global publishing group, Hachette is made up of ten autonomous publishing divisions and over fifty imprints with a rich and diverse history.
The appointment and resulting collaboration will facilitate industry-specific learning opportunities for MSc Publishing students, allowing them to develop concepts and research into business critical opportunities which will have commercial impact.
The newly-appointed Publisher in Residence will be intricately involved in the MSc Publishing programme, delivering bespoke masterclasses, assisting with placement and research opportunities, sharing their experiences and, critically, helping to mentor, inspire and support students and academics.
Rosie Howie is an alumna of MSc Publishing. Since graduating in 2012, she has carved a stellar career in the industry, predominantly in Educational Publishing, where she has particular expertise.
During her remarkable trajectory, Rosie worked at Edinburgh University Press, Waterstones and Bright Red Publishing before moving to Hodder Gibson.
Rosie was also instrumental in the rejuvenation of the Society of Young Publishers, Scotland branch – an organisation which exists to support, motivate and mentor young people interested in a career in Publishing.
Rosie said: “A decade after graduating from the MSc Publishing course at Edinburgh Napier University, it is a privilege and delight to take up this exciting opportunity to be their Publisher in Residence.
“It feels like I have come full circle. It is an honour to give back to the course, and to work with such a dedicated team of staff and inspiring group of students. I hope to provide useful insight into the industry and offer training in a range of publishing skills.
“I am also looking forward to learning from the staff and students at the university, especially through research collaboration opportunities. Speaking with the students over the course of the last few months has given me real hope for the future leadership of the publishing industry in Scotland and internationally.”
This is an imaginative initiative – no other university in the UK has a Publisher in Residence. MSc Publishing has an unparalleled reputation for innovation and vision, and this appointment speaks to the progressive nature of Publishing education at Edinburgh Napier.
Edinburgh Napier’s Avril Gray, Associate Professor in Publishing, Programme Leader of MSc Publishing and Director of Merchiston Publishing, said: “Rosie will bring invaluable insight and experience, to the benefit of our staff and students.
“We are excited to work alongside such a respected publishing professional, someone who has demonstrated she cares for the opportunities of young people entering the industry. I personally look forward to a collaboration which will forge even closer connections with industry to the benefit of our very vocational – and successful – Publishing Masters programme.
“Rosie’s knowledge and experience will not only energise and inspire activity across the programme but also help enhance the critical commercial practices that underpin our teaching. We have very strong links to industry and an incredible network of alumni, so to be able to work with Rosie will be inspirational for our students and hugely enriching on so many levels.”
Dr Diane Maclean, Dean of the School of Arts & Creative Industries at Edinburgh Napier, said: “I’m delighted that this new position, the first of its kind in the UK, has been announced.
“Our Publishing team continually spearheads new developments to ensure that Edinburgh Napier remains the place to come and study Publishing. I have no doubt that our new Publisher in Residence will be an exciting addition to the team.”
– Morrisons will be donating 50,000 books to help families in need –
– Customers can also bring unwanted books to Morrisons Little Libraries where children and families can pick up a book for free –
Morrisons has launched a book donation and exchange station for children – the Morrisons Little Library – in its stores across the UK which aims to promote reading and literacy in children, particularly those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Morrisons Little Library was inspired by Canterbury-based children’s author, Rebecca Smith, who approached Morrisons asking for help to tackle the issues surrounding children’s literacy and the lack of availability of books at home.
Morrisons Little Library exchanges will be set up in stores across the UK from this week. Customers can bring along unwanted books to donate and all children, teenagers and parents can pick up a book for free. Books will also be donated through the initiative to local schools and community groups, via Morrisons Community Champions.
David Potts, Morrisons CEO, said: “The past year has been extremely difficult for everyone and we want to help as much as we can. We know that our younger customers love reading but some may not have access to books of their own. That’s why we’re launching the Morrisons Little Library – so every child has the chance to enjoy reading and brighten their future.”
Rebecca Smith said:“To think that there are children who have never enjoyed a bedtime story is heart-breaking. Stories change lives. Every child and every parent should have access to that experience. The Morrisons Little Library provides that potentially life-changing access.”
Research from The Open University, which has been involved in shaping the initiative, shows that reading books helps children to start conversations, spark imagination and support emotional wellbeing.
The National Literacy Trust recently reported that children who own books are six times more likely to read above the level expected for their age but that one in 11 disadvantaged children don’t own a single book.
Teresa Cremin, Professor of Education Literacy at The Open University, added, “It’s been great working with Morrisons to help make the Little Library idea a reality. Reading benefits children and young people in so many ways and is especially vital after such a difficult and disruptive year, as it creates a safe space to escape and learn.”
To continue to support children’s literacy, Morrisons has created a new book – Cedric The Seed – and will be publishing 50,000 copies. The book will be distributed nationwide by Morrisons Community Champions to local community groups and schools to ensure they are reaching those who need them most.
Cedric the Seed has been written for Morrisons by Danielle Corrigan from Saddleworth, who began writing children’s books last year whilst she was homeschooling her own children. Danielle began writing positive stories for children to read last year to help them cope with the mental health effects of lockdown.
Inspired by the pandemic and how lives were changed in an instant, the book follows Cedric, a small sunflower seed as he is separated from his family and friends. His journey is full of unexpected adventure, friendship and fun as when Cedric begins to grow, he realises his friends and family were there all along.
The initiative is the latest from Morrisons which aims to make good things happen and bring hope to the nation. Last month, Morrisons gave away over 2.5 million packets of sunflower seeds to customers to grow at home and half a million postcards for people to send messages to their loved ones who they haven’t been able to see due to lockdown.
Morrisons Community Champions have also launched the “Little Sunshine” awards which aim to recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help their community during the pandemic.
The governments of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK have issued a statement on Israeli Settlements
The statement reads:
We urge the Government of Israel to reverse its decision to advance the construction of 540 settlement units in the Har Homa E area of the occupied West Bank, and to cease its policy of settlement expansion across the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Settlements are illegal under international law, and threaten prospects for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
If implemented, the decision to advance settlements in Har Homa, between East Jerusalem and Bethlehem, will cause further damage to the prospects for a viable Palestinian State, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and a Palestinian State.
This move, alongside settlement advancement in Givat HaMatos and continued evictions in East Jerusalem, including in Sheikh Jarrah, also undermines efforts to rebuild trust between the parties, following the positive resumption of Israeli-Palestinian cooperation.
We call on both sides to refrain from any unilateral action and resume a credible and meaningful dialogue, to advance efforts for the two state solution and an end to the conflict.
Edinburgh’s count this year will take place over two days at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston. It gets underway at 9am this morning.
Throughout the planning process, our elections team has sought guidance from public health experts, consulting extensively with the Director of Public Health, to make sure the event runs as safely and as smoothly as possible.
Today (Friday 7 May) the results for Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Southern and Edinburgh Western will be announced, while results will be declared for Edinburgh Eastern, Edinburgh Pentlands and Edinburgh Northern and Leith as well as the list/Region vote results tomorrow, Saturday 8 May.
Safety measures in place at the count
Everyone must wear a face covering when moving and circulating within the count venue, unless they are exempt.
Hand sanitising stations will be positioned throughout the venue.
Physical distancing will be in place.
Regular cleaning, including at touch points.
Contact tracing system with all people attending the count.
One-way systems in parts of the building.
Room capacity limits will be in place.
Enhanced ventilation at the venue.
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for the Edinburgh constituencies and the Lothian Region, said: The arrangements for the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary Election feel very different from previous elections.
“Throughout our preparations our elections team has sought guidance from public health experts and we’ve put in place extensive additional Covid-19 health and safety measures to help keep everyone safe, reduce the risk of spreading the virus and of course protect the integrity of the Election.
“We’re taking all the necessary steps to support the COVID-safe operation of the election count at the Highland Hall. In line with Public Health Scotland (PHS) guidance every effort has been made to make sure the centre is well ventilated, hand-sanitising stations are positioned throughout the venue, facemasks are worn whenever people move about the venue and that everyone observes two-metre physical distancing at all times.
“Count assistants will adhere to two-metre distancing but don’t have to wear a face covering when seated on the count floor.
“The safety of everyone working at the count is of utmost importance and measures will be enforced by our marshalls throughout the duration of the event for the health and safety of everyone present. I want to thank the team for their efforts so far and look forward to delivering a robust process in these unprecedented times.”
The results from the count will be tweeted live from @Edinburgh_cc as they are announced by the Returning Officer, with the hashtag #SPE21RESULT.
A coalition of organisations championing consumers, and representing civil society and business, have today joined forces to warn that the UK risks failing in its ambition to be the safest place in the world to be online unless it uses new laws to protect people from an avalanche of online scams.
In a joint letter to the Home Secretary and Digital Secretary, 17 organisations have urged the government to include online scams in its proposed Online Safety Bill – which could be announced in next week’s Queen’s Speech – so that consumers are better protected against the devastating financial and emotional harm caused by these crimes.
The organisations that have signed the letter include Which?, the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, Carnegie UK Trust, UK Finance, the Personal Investment Management and Financial Advice Association (PIMFA), the City of London Corporation, City of London Police, The Investment Association, Association of British Insurers (ABI), MoneySavingExpert and Age UK.
From using social media to stay in touch with friends and family to using search engines to research potential investments at a time of record-low interest rates – the coronavirus crisis has meant people are spending more time online than ever before.
However, scams have escalated in the past 12 months, with Action Fraud figures showing that £1.7 billion was reportedly lost to scams in the last year. Many criminals have shifted their activity online. Action Fraud estimates that in the year to June 2020, 85% of all fraud was cyber-enabled.
The actual financial losses are likely to be much higher and do not capture the devastating emotional impact on victims. Research also shows that vulnerable people, including those experiencing mental health problems, are more at risk of falling victim to these crimes online.
In their letter, the organisations write: “Online platforms play a pivotal role in enabling criminals to reach and defraud internet users through the hosting, promotion and targeting of fake and fraudulent content on their sites, including adverts that they make significant profits from.
“Yet platforms have very little legal responsibility for protecting their users, despite often being the best placed to tackle harmful content.
“While we recognise there are initiatives being progressed by the Government designed to tackle aspects of online fraud, there is a growing risk that current plans for future regulatory frameworks are not taking a comprehensive approach to the threats faced by consumers and do not reflect the extent or urgency of the problem.”
UK Finance figures show a 32 per cent increase in investment scam cases in 2020, which are often promoted through adverts on search engines and social media offering higher than average returns.
One victim of such a scam was Maria Teresa Jackson, 63, a teacher. Ms Jackson was tricked by an advert she saw on a social media site, featuring a fake news story with fabricated quotes from celebrity adventurer Bear Grylls, who supposedly told how he had become a millionaire by trading in Bitcoin.
She clicked the button and put in her details and soon received a phone call from a “financial advisor” who showed her around a professional looking website, and was very knowledgeable about trading. Over time she was persuaded to transfer increasing amounts of money to the scammer.
It later became clear that the Bitcoin did not exist. Scammers stole nearly £120,000 and First Direct, her bank, has so far refunded her half that amount.
She said: “I felt completely sick. I’m overall better now but often I get flashbacks of certain events and that upsets me a lot. I usually get them at night when I’m in bed and when that happens, it sets the tone for a bad night’s sleep.”
A spokesperson for First Direct said:“We would like to offer our sincerest sympathies to Ms Jackson, and fully appreciate how the situation has impacted her. Sadly, there are unscrupulous individuals who carry out criminal activities without any regard for the effect this will have on their victims.
“Although we believe Ms Jackson could have exercised more caution and carried out further checks before making the payments, we could also have offered more effective fraud warnings. So on that basis we’ve refunded 50% of the payments made.”
A wide-ranging consensus has emerged across industry, regulators and consumer groups on the urgent need for action to tackle scams and the critical role that online platforms must take in doing more to protect their users.
The coalition of groups is calling for online platforms to be given a legal responsibility to protect users from fake and fraudulent content on their sites that lead to scams. The government now has a perfect opportunity to deliver this in its proposed Online Safety Bill, which could be announced as part of next week’s Queen’s Speech on 11 May.
Anabel Hoult, CEO of Which?, said: “The biggest online platforms have some of the most sophisticated technology in the world, yet they are failing to use it to protect scam victims who are suffering devastating financial and emotional harm due to the flood of fake and fraudulent content posted online by criminals.
“The time for self-regulation is over, as clearly it has not worked. The case for including scams in the Online Safety Bill is overwhelming and the government must take the opportunity to act now. Online platforms must be given a legal responsibility to prevent, identify and remove fake and fraudulent content on their sites so that their users are better protected.”
Martin Lewis, Founder of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute and MoneySavingExpert.com, said:“It beggars belief that the government’s Online Safety Bill could ignore the epidemic of scams that the UK faces – but that’s the plan. Scams don’t just steal people’s money, they can take their self-respect too and those with mental health problems are three times more likely to be affected.
“The policing of scams is critically underfunded, leaving criminals to get away with these frauds with impunity. The government has a chance to at least deny them the ‘oxygen of publicity’ by making big tech responsible for the scammers adverts it is paid to publish.
“I plead on bended knee for the government to take that opportunity, by putting scams in the Online Safety Bill. Failing to do so will betray its promise to create world-leading online protection and will leave vulnerable people defenceless against online crime in the midst of a global pandemic.”
David Postings, Chief Executive at UK Finance, said: “Fraud has a devastating emotional impact on victims and even when the victim is reimbursed, the stolen cash is used to fund serious organised crimes which damage our society, including terrorism, drug trafficking, and child sexual exploitation.
“The banking and finance industry is tackling fraud on all fronts, but we can’t do it alone. We need other industries including the online platforms exploited by criminals to join the fight and take responsibility for criminal activity that is happening on their doorstep.
It’s not right that online giants are effectively profiting twice – once from criminals marketing scams on their platforms and again from organisations having to advertise fraud warnings to consumers.
“We are strongly calling on the government to take a major step forward by including economic crime in the upcoming Online Safety Bill and helping ensure tech giants take responsibility for their part in protecting consumers from the scourge of online fraud.”
William Perrin, Trustee at Carnegie UK Trust, said:“Our work at Carnegie UK Trust has set out the case for a systemic, statutory duty of care that would make online platforms take responsibility for the design and processes of their services to reduce online harm.
“This new research underlines the urgent need for action to protect consumers from harms such as online fraud and scams – and the Online Safety Bill is the way to do it. Both the City of London Police and the National Economic Crime Centre have told Parliament that their current powers are not enough to limit the spread of online fraud and scams.
“It is vital that the Government reconsider their inclusion in the Online Safety Bill.”
Liz Field, Chief Executive of PIMFA, commented:“The financial services industry has along with our partners been calling for financial harm to be included in the Online Safety Bill for some time.
“It is now vital that the Government takes action to provide better protection for consumers online by ensuring online search and social media firms take greater responsibility for what we, their customers, see on their platforms.
“The Online Safety Bill could provide a clear legal framework that would protect consumers from ever more sophisticated online fraud, largely perpetrated by organised criminals. PIMFA and our partners in this campaign continue to urge the Government to include financial harm in the Online Safety Bill.
“Doing so would save thousands of victims suffering enormous financial and mental distress and would be one of the best possible ways to disrupt organised crime.”
In March 2021 there were 90,833 attendances to major Emergency Departments across Scotland. This is a 30% increase compared to February 2021 and a 7% increase when compared to March 2020.
Despite this increase, 87.5% of attendances to major Emergency Departments in Scotland were seen within 4 hours, meaning one in eight patients are waiting for four hours or more before being seen. Although, this represents an increase of 1.6 percentage points compared to February 2021.
In March 2021, 315 patients spent 12 hours or more in an Emergency Department, this is down by one third compared to February 2021 and down by over one quarter compared to March 2020.
Data also show that 1,358 patients spent eight hours or more in a major Emergency Department, this is down by over 22% compared to the previous month and down six percentage points on the previous year.
Dr John Thomson, Vice President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “We are beginning to reach pre-pandemic levels of hospital activity and demand for urgent and emergency care services. We fear a return of the pre-pandemic crowding that put patient safety at risk.
“The health service is in recovery, elective care waiting lists are growing, attendances at Emergency Departments are increasing, and the already depleted workforce is exhausted.
“As a result, some hospitals are beginning to face pressures with patients delayed for hours. We must rapidly assess and address our resources, capacity, and the way we deliver care.
“The College launched its campaign Summer to Recover: Winter Proofing the Urgent and Emergency Care system for 2021 which presents a series of actions the Scottish Government, NHS Boards and ED Leadership Teams can take to prepare their departments for the challenges ahead.
“There are threats of a further wave of covid in the late summer and a potentially gruelling winter with seasonal flu in the community. We saw how the NHS in Scotland was underprepared and under-resourced for the pandemic and the brutal winter which followed, now we have a chance to learn and do what we can to ready ourselves for the next phase.
“Staff are exhausted after a difficult year and are facing new challenges on every front, by preparing now and ensuring that departments are ready for this next phase, we may be able to manage demand and cope with system pressures.”
